EU Product Safety Regulation Affects All Sellers

The EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, Regulation (EU) 2023/988), alongside the new German Product Safety Act (ProdSG) effective February 19, 2026, imposes new obligations on all sellers of non-food products within the European Union. Provimedia GmbH highlights that these requirements apply across all sales channels, including online shops, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar stores.

The regulation affects manufacturers, importers, and retailers reselling products under their own brands. Even those selling small quantities or handmade goods must comply with the new standards. Key obligations include appointing an EU-based responsible person, conducting a risk analysis, and maintaining technical documentation. Furthermore, contact details for the manufacturer or responsible person, along with warning notices, must be provided on the product and in online listings.

These duties extend beyond new products to cover goods already on the market. Companies must be able to demonstrate the safety of their products. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to €100,000, with more severe violations potentially leading to criminal prosecution.

Provimedia emphasizes that this is an ongoing responsibility. Risk analyses and technical documentation must be kept updated when products, manufacturing processes, or suppliers change. New products must have their compliance checked before market entry. For traceability, batch or model labeling is recommended.